Showing a rooster?

[Bocktobery 10]

My sister came over the other day and saw my Blue Andelusian rooster for the first time. Now, most everyone who sees him says how pretty he is, and he is! But she suggested to me that I should show him. I've only been to one farm show chicken show once, but I don't know much about showing chickens. Do roosters have to be a certain age to show or are there certain things that disqualify a chicken immediately from showing? As far as I know my Andelusian is pure bred. He is about a year and a half old. He has a few shabby feathers though. Do you have to worry about the chickens picking up illnesses as shows? I could tell from after three days of being at the farm show, the chickens seemed quite stressed in their cages and I would worry about showing my rooster for that reason. I'd like to have him compete, but I don't know anything about it. I'd like to know the basics, or if anyone has a book suggestion on showing that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[muddyhorse]

Showing can be alot of fun. Could you post a picture of him. A bird needs to be at least 5 months old to be shown. Most apa shows just last one day, exception nationals and some other very large shows. Fairs are usually multiple.days. Yes birds can pick up things at shows, I quarantine after a show. However, a bird showing signs of sickness is asked to leave immediately. So far I haven't had any problems.
Yes there are things that can disqualify your bird. Side sprigs on a comb , a stray feather stub on his leg. But nobody will belittle you if he does. People at shows are very helpful to new people. Post a pics and let's go from thete

 

[Gomes Bantams]

Ok so,

Yes they must be 6 months~3 years(defects kick in around then...)

Please give a great deal of information. Weight, pics(body, legs, wings[folded and unfolded], comb, eye color, tail angle, etc...) and so many other things.

Illness is a problem only if you make it one. Try going to a well known poultry show and 90% of the time your bird will come back healthy.

You MUST train him before a show. Also bathe him, cage him up in a large pen, check for lice, mites, fleas etc.

Go to the library and check out a book on showing, the standard of perfection(I can loan you my copy) and look on youtube for videos of how to bathe them and what a judge looks for.

Bottom line, showing can be a competative and fun experience. And remember, winning isnt everything and just try to have fun!


---Lucas M. Gomes, Experience in poultry since 2003 and a breeder of too many chickens.

 

[Bocktobery 10]

Hey, just want to say thanks for your replies. I'm sincerely interested. His comb might not be in too great of shape. I don't know how he would take to bathing though! I've never done that with him before and although he lets me cuddle him like a baby, I don't know how he'd take to water.

Here is a pic of him last year.....



I don't have a recent picture of him on file, but will try. Since this photo, his comb is about twice as large.